Hazard & Threat Detection

Hazard and threat detection refers to a broad range of applications that aim to secure national infrastructure against nuclear incidents and contraband trafficking, screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and personnel via portal monitors at key entry/exit point can be used to prevent the transport of illicit goods.

A more distributed monitoring system of strategic facilities and critical infrastructure can provide a rapid first response to any radiological threat or incident, as well as the day-to-day safeguarding of the nuclear industry. The specifications demanded of each of these applications are challenging. For example, to identify the trafficking of radioactive materials and contraband at busy ports and border crossings, one must provide an effective means of detection without disrupting the flow of traffic or goods. This is further complicated by the fact that any illicit nuclear materials must be identified against a background of naturally occurring or legally transported radioactive material, such as medical isotopes. Therefore, high performance detectors are required to ensure the necessary sensitivity and specificity in a short time frame.

Benefits of a Silicon Photomultiplier

The Silicon Photomultiplier (SPM) is a technological breakthrough that finally provides a solid state substitute for the legacy vacuum photomultiplier tube (PMT). the PMt has remained in widespread use due to its high gain and stability coupled with a moderate Qe (quantum efficiency). however, the SPM matches these characteristics while having the additional benefits of compactness,  ruggedness, magnetic insensitivity, low power requirements and low cost, all of which provide huge benefits for use as the basis for X- and gamma-ray detectors in the hazard and threat detection field.

To learn more about SensL and the use of SPM's in Hazard & Threat Detection download this two page Application Note: